The "-ing" form

Question

Hello, All,
Could you help me with the following phrases,
a dread of destroying the miracle of life
a dread of destruction of the miracle of life
Are they both correct? What is the difference in meaning?
Whenever a verb-ing is needed following a preposition, I think of using a noun because grammar books say that the preposition takes only a noun or something equivlent to noun. Since nouns are available, why don't use a noun instead of a verb in "-ing" form? Thank you very much for your help.

Mister Micawber · Accepted Answer

'a dread of destroying the miracle of life'
'a dread of destruction of the miracle of life'

In the first phrase, the '-ing' form of the verb is acting as a noun, and as such can be the object of a preposition. In your examples, both grammatically correct, the meanings are essentially equivalent.

Normally, if a traditional noun is available, it would be preferable to the '-ing' (gerund) form. However, the gerund carries a feeling of the action or ongoing activity, and may stress the actor (who may also be the subject), which the noun often does not; if that is to your purpose, then the '-ing' form should be chosen:

'A dread of destroying' suggests that the speaker may fear the results of his own action; on the other hand, the state noun in 'a dread of destruction'-- and this would more normally carry the article 'the' (a dread of the destruction'-- tends to objectivize the action, and the speaker is more likely referring to devastation by a more anonymous hand.

Another reason for choice is style. In your second phrase, there are three prepositional phrases, three 'of's, which make for a turgid style; this would be a good reason also for selecting the more direct 'a dread of destroying the miracle of life'.

The "-ing" form

Top answer

Get the Weekly English Kit 📬